Commentary on the Confluence of War, Technology, and Culture

Handguns as Medical Devices?

This is sure to scandalize some. According to the WorldNetDaily, a New Jersey company has designed a pistol with an unconventional purpose–as a medical device.

Arthritis? Carpal-tunnel syndrome?

A hand injury? If so, a New Jersey company claims it has invented a firearm just for you and that it has received federal approval to market the 9-mm handgun as a “medical device,” perhaps even with its cost reimbursable to seniors by Medicare.

Matthew Carmel, president of Constitution Arms in Maplewood, N.J., says the Palm Pistol is designed to be fired by people who have disabling conditions that prevent them from holding a normal handgun and pulling the trigger.

The right of civilian ownership of firearms is a hotly contested one, so many will scoff at the possibility of a weapon, which has the potential to kill, used as a “medical device.” However, the question is not so easily dismissed. If we are to assume the right of self-defense as has been upheld by District of Columbia v Heller, we must ensure that their is no discrimination against those with disabilities, no? It is an interesting predictiment for progressives who support gun control.

The shooting sports have a long history of accomodating individuals with disabilities.

“If by chance you were to ask me which ornaments I would desire above all others in my house, I would reply, without much pause for reflection, arms and books.”
—Fra Sabba da Castiglione, Knight of St. John